Starting today, Pokémon GO is celebrating the upcoming release of the film Detective Pikachu, starring Ryan Reynolds in the titular role, this week with a multitude of new events inspired by the film. Announced via a post on the official Pokémon website, the in-games events started today at 4 p.m. EST/1 p.m. PST, and will last ten days until May 17 at the aforementioned time.
During the events, there will be an increased chance at encountering Pokémon from the film including: Bulbasaur, Psyduck, Jigglypuff, Snubbull, and Aipom. The official post even teases that players “might even find Shiny Aipom!” All Pokémon that players are able to catch during the event, those from the film or not, will provide players with double the XP as usual.
A Pikachu wearing a detective hat will start appearing as well. It appears it will be “photobombing your GO Snapshot photos.” Once it does, players will have the opportunity to capture their own “Detective” Pikachu. The post also details what other events players will get to participate in stating, “You’ll be able to participate in Raid Battles that challenge Pokémon featured in the film, as well as movie-inspired Field Research.” Cosmetic items inspired by the film will also appear in the game’s shop for players to purchase and customize their avatar.
Pokémon GO has found long lasting success and a huge playerbase since releasing in the summer of 2016. Recently, players of the game cleaned up 145 tons of trash for Earth Day this year. Elsewhere, Niantic is in the midst of their next big licensed AR game with Harry Potter: Wizards Unite. Pokémon GO players had until April 30 to register their usernames for this new game.
You can check out Detective Pikachu in theaters starting May 10.